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Naughty Christine! See what you put folks through. (giggle) I guess I've been lucky to get good stuff there 90% of the time, that type of sandwich would have surely put me off as well. I don't like "sickly sweet" in fact the sweetest I like is sweet potato puree at Picnic or sweet potato fries at the Landmark in Livingston or elsewhere.

Oops forgot to add I've eaten at La Cucina on Main St? in Pearl River - I like the food there and the owner is very nice if nothing has changed in the last 18 months I haven't been there in a while as I don't have much time for it.

Thanks sara and Alan - Anything in particular for entrees you would suggest at either (louie's or the pizza place?)

Anyone know of any good indian food in S/E PA closer to the maryland/delaware area?! Thanks - I'd really appreciate any heads up as I am going there next weekend.

I've never had their soup but I have had their sandwiches, hot dogs, pierogies and wraps. Our corporate office is nearby and everyone there seems to like most of their food too. Maybe it was an off day? I've never had a "slimy" sandwich there and haven't had the sandwich with cheese. I do notice that they are very busy during the work week often we have to wait up to 10-15 minutes to get our order. Maybe it was because it was the weekend and the regular staff wasn't there - I have no idea but again as Kape mentioned it is popular (especially with the parents w/kids) with folks who go in there.

I mentioned in the Top Chef thread that I started peeping at his show more frequently more or less. Again, I like his t.v. personality if it's not just for show (on t.v. only) it is nice and semi-gritty and amusing to me. I liked one show where he was eating some "island food" at a cart - watching it actually was interesting and it had a "homey"* feel. (*not "homey" as in Newark! "homey" as in home-style) Edited to add I just saw the Las Vegas episode. Man, I wish room service was that good in all places. I don't like "deep fried" snacks/desserts with the exception of a rare funnelcake from a fair or the like, however that twinkie sure did look good.

I think Harold has a good chance if he remains focused. I can't stand "spikeboy" his attitude of holier than thou makes me want to lose it and smack my t.v. (and thus him more or less! LOL) I am sure that "vegan girl" will probably be one of the next to leave in the next challenge or two because she doesn't always think of what the taste may be for the more mainstream (non-vegan) folks. I was also watching Bourdain earlier in the evening, I find him mildly amusing especially when frozen and shaken not stirred! -heh- I'd like to see him live in action to see if he's really that "fiery" or is it more for showmanship? But on the other hand I think him seeing a 400 pound woman might drive him to drink a case of Vox or Grey Goose!!!!!

Rebecca's Rose for Rosie... that is nice! I'll try to make one for you too Rebecca my friend! @>----,---'-'---,-- Again, let's hope we keep hearing from the fine retiree's here as time goes on.

I also knew Rosie from the Prodigy days - and she led me here. I will miss her. Good luck with your other projects, Rosie! *ETA: aaack! I just saw that Jason Perlow has retired. This is a sad day ← I know we hadn't heard from Jason after the "comp" postings and the running back and fourth commentary on the board back in March... so it wasn't too much of a surprise after a month of not hearing from him at Egullet after all, he had seemed to have dropped off the board into oblivion. Rosie, you are a doll and you will certainly be missed as well. All the best to you and your fantastic other half! I hope we bump into each other again sometime soon, we seem to have somewhat similar tastes when it comes to some restaurants and as an ex-Livingston resident myself, I'm sure I'll see you around. Best of luck to all the "retiree's" at Egullet may your palate and prose have integrity always.

Has anyone been here it is a few doors down from Picnic on Kinderkamack and I love their "Italian Style" hot dogs and their bbq pulled pork sandwiches when I want a fast snack if I'm driving by there. Is there any other places like this up this way? I read "Holly's Eats" so it made me think of them and I read about some other good places to check out too!

The nerve you have of not getting yourself cloned! Also sleep is over-rated just ask me about it sometime and I'd be glad to share a sleepless morning at a local diner at 2am or 3am! I know you have integrity from speaking with you and I would not even think of questioning it. You are a nice humble chef! Your food is really REALLY quite good IMHO and I was going to stop by today for your delicious Famous Steak Sandwich however I overate during our lunch party today and had a slice of cake at 5:15PM so I couldn't make it on time. I was way too full for something so good anyhow, but I'll catch you another time I hope!

I feel that I have a pretty discerning palate being among the group called "supertasters" and also I border on being very picky as well since anything bitter or "off" just turns my stomach! That being said I don't give a rats ass about decor MOST of the time, unless it makes the place dark or dreary or it's dirty or smoky (see Kirker's Inn*) - OR if there's bugs/insects or visible filth on eating surfaces or unclean looking utensils. I assume the restaurant is having an off day or an insanely busy day or a day where the staff are having major problems - and ask them for clean (non spotty etc...) utensils if I get them great, if not I tell myself do not come back and often will take water, put it on my napkin and wipe it down myself to remove the dishwashing spots. Mike obviously DOES pay attention to detail having the door painted/cleaned immediately after hearing about it, that is a sign of an owner who really cares. I love hearing and seeing that in a restaurant. I love to eat good tasting food and IMHO I consider SOB among one of the best in the Northeast NJ area when it comes to pleasing my palate and I've only been there a half a dozen times. I don't have time to run out during lunch most days. There are only a few "dine-in" restaurants that I consider tops in taste and/or paying attention to details in the NORTHERN Bergen County Region: Silver Oak Bistro being among them. Old '76 house in Tappan, The Park Steakhouse, Fortunatos in Lyndhurst, The Porter House in Montvale, The Restaurant in Hackensack, Bhoj in Saddle Brook, and Stony Hill Inn (*Kirker's Inn but the decor is... UGH but the food has an authentic home-made taste and is great 75% of the time - sometimes they just seem to have an off day.) EACH one has a different class, style, pricing and location but they all have one thing in common great serving staff, delicious food (without that "SYSCO" taste or pre-prepared renuked taste) and comfortable seating and atmosphere to talk whilst eating with friends. To me THAT is more important when choosing a good restaurant - call me crazy but maybe other folks don't feel the same way that I do, but I can hope they do. Goodluck Mike and staff keep up the good work and Mike get back from CA ok? We need you to install a kick butt device... I mean a kick plate or something. Have a great April, Passover and Easter month!

I won't ask about Passover which comes BEFORE easter since most non-jewish chefs wouldn't know a matzohball from tzimmes... however congratulations on the newspaper articles last week and this week. Keep up the great work! Click on the bergen record - go to food area - then click on news then scroll down a wee bit and go to marketplace: April 2006 The link doesn't work from outside it seems! So here's a copy from The Bergen Record April 2006: Who says lunch can't be special? Growing up in Fair Lawn's Radburn section, Christine E. Nunn watched Julia Child cooking on TV, then marveled as her mother, Carol, re-created the dishes for dinner. Today, Nunn is the one at the stove in her homey Emerson storefront called Picnic, serving over-the-top lunch sandwiches, assembling complete picnics (with a wine suggestion) and catering celebrations for six to 250. "We have a good time here," says Nunn, who recently named sandwiches after vice presidents and gave 10 percent discounts to customers who could name the correct president. Her lunch menu changes daily, with most items $7 or less. You might find a wrap of grilled leg of lamb, garlicky yogurt, feta cheese, olives and cooked red onions or the "obscene" cheesesteak: filet mignon poached in butter until very rare, with oozing Tillamook cheddar cheese and sauteed peppers and onions on Balthazar focaccia. Every Friday, she serves a traditional lobster roll. In 2002, Nunn quit her job as a development director for a non-profit and, at age 37, enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America. She's cooked with such luminaries as Patricia Wells and Jacques Pepin, catered for U.N. missions and once reviewed restaurants for The Record. Say the word and she'll cook for you. Picnic, 180 Kinderkamack Road, Emerson; (201) 262-5505 and http://www.picniccaterers.com 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Has anyone ever eaten in any Pearl River restaurants - besides the Thai one? I'd like to know if any are particularly outstanding or worth running over for suppertime. Any new or delicious restaurants open in the last few months or weeks? Thanks!

Montvale NJ - Heavily traffic'd Kinderkamack Road could use you and we'd welcome a good dog place there is Taco bell, KFC, BK, B.M. (evil grin/bos.mkt that is) and more on that street and they are always crowded out the doors and drive thrus during lunch time so another BETTER place would be always welcome. I'd even give you a tour of the area if you wish! There are 3 major corporate parks with their corporate headquarters or major offices within 5 miles and they include BMW, KPMG, Merck Medco, Ingersoll Rand, Verizon, A&P Corporate, Renkitt B' (aka lysol maker folks) and many other large companies!

have you been yet, dana? ← Just don't let TOMMY go first or go with you... there'll be no pulled pork sandwiches left! (evil grin)

Well I meandered out on this lovely 60+ degree day to go have lunch in Silver Oak Bistro (SOB as I call it sometimes) Chef Chris prepared the Fungus and Rags deliciously - and as some of you know I rarely "step-out" for lunch... this being said I had my heart set on having lunch here and traipsed across the county for something (winking at someone here) to eat. I ENDED up ordering the Smoked chicken with gorgonzola and bacon wrap for my main course. I won't say why, but it was also as good as I'm sure the other lunch selections are... (*right Tommy?) Felix the waiter was perfect in timing for me, bringing me the delicious appetizer, followed by my main course and the delicious basket of chips with the "out of this world" bbq sauce - which incidentally was on my mind, hence the reason I went out. A special HI to Mike & Chef Gary who were not there. Just a quick note on the other 9 folks there, the people next to me RAVED about the steak salad and their "fish of the day" which was a Grouper, then they told me I should have ordered Gumbo or the Mac & Cheese "it looks like an omelette!" they both crooned and I mentioned that I love the Gumbo but never have had the mac and cheese before. Across the room was seated Master Tommy and guest and a gentleman left after commenting that he liked everything was also in the room, 2 women one mid-aged one elderly both spoke with me as I left and said everything was real good and did I ever try the Mac & Cheese so I mentioned the Rags and Fungus, they said they'll try that next time. I spoke with Chef Chris after he mentioned something to me, which was a "no-nevermind" thing...* and we talked for a wee bit, he is really a nice fellow too and all the staff there are simply wonderful - so I had a very nice lunch, THANKS! Well back to work for me hope everyone's having a beautiful day.

tommy, there's also the issue of which Bergen Record reviewer gets the assignment. With at least three people splitting the job, there's the luck of the draw on which reviewer writes the document. ← i realize this. although i can't say i can tell one from the next as far as reviews go. ← At the bottom of a review it says this (in the Bergen Record) : In determining ratings, each restaurant has been compared with others of the same type and level of ambition. Restaurants are rated on the quality of their food, atmosphere, service, and value. Halves are given when a restaurant surpasses a level in food, service, or ambience. Reviewers make at least two anonymous visits to a restaurant, and The Record always pays the tab. Cost guide: A dinner for two without alcohol but including three courses, tax, and a 15 percent tip totaling $40 or less is inexpensive; $41 to $70, moderate; $71 to $130, expensive; more than $130, very expensive. My only question would be what other restaurants are they comparing it to? SOB seems to be really great at making what they make and I haven't found many "Southern style/Southern home" cooking restaurants up here.

I for one would be up to finding out what delicacies they have if anyone else is willing to... once they have a new spring menu or a tasting menu to try!

I like "Kosher for passover" sodas better, they just taste better and less "oily" on my tongue for lack of a better way to explain it. You mentioned you found this out from Jason's "blog" but where is Jason?! We haven't seen him since the first week in March around here on E-Gullet. Why wasn't something he would post about on here from him, since he is a "big figure" on e-gullet? OH well, anyhow I should also mention that Whole Foods had Tsimmes and Noodle Kugel and Potato Kugel and other goodies last time I was over there! Maybe they carry a kosher for passover soda as well?

Definitely count me in for "passover" lamb. also if you ever put a recipe up for your sweet potato puree, please let me know! I just love it and I'm as anti-veggie as you can get! I have bad "green aversions" based on smell more than taste, with very few exceptions. Didn't you have some kind of cooking demo this weekend? How did it go? Will there be another one soon close to Paramus? I think I'll be calling you for lunch this week it's less crazy than last week and I'm getting "Picnic" withdrawal... I'm seeing ANTS! (grin/wink)

Anyone have an address or website for Tiffin? Thanks!

If you have "chairs" definitely consider armless for handicapped folks and folks like me with "BIG" hips and easily portable tables like fold up cafe style. The best type of foods are ones that are easily holdable in one hand for the folks who like to shop or "run" through it's ok to have "sit down foods" but then you need to provide seating w/umbrellas if it's outdoors in case it's sunny or rainy. That is why smaller sandwich stands and the like usually do well. If you're at a flea market you also have to keep in mind that the fellow vendors are your friends as well as your customers over time... once the word gets out! Most I knew were coffee fiends (I hate coffee) one stand gave away free cruellers or a reusable "coupon" buy 3 cups get one free or 5 cups get one free etc. So that if you're a "weekender" you'd be covered for 2 wks by the coupons. I used to have a stand at Collingswood for a long time - if there's anything I can help you with please let me know. Goodluck on your endeavors!

That makes two of us! In the off season I go to the Appletree Farmers Market (indoors) at the top of Kinderkamack Road in Montvale. They sometimes have some good fruit and vegetable bargains as well as a small fresh salad bar and small deli/sushi bar in the back of the store and a florist with cut flowers in the front.

the sign has been there for quite some time, but i haven't noticed much movement. i've been keeping my eye out, rest assured. meanwhile, i've been considering opening a BBQ place in bergen county. perhaps my timing is a little off. it's just as well someone else makes the good BBQ anyway. less hassle and more BBQ for me. edited to add that you should definitely give Silver Oak's BBQ a try if you haven't already. he's not messing around over there. ← Tommy, Chef Gary and I are ready...we just need more seats, parking spots and a way to sell beer with the BBQ...LOL Mike ← Maybe you can work out a deal with the new folks that get one of the Indian restaurants in town (Kailash or the other)... I hear they are selling soon or have been sold, but it could be another one of those "Ridgewood Rumors".